Outcome NPL_O_1

Assuring an accountable organization through principled performance

Significant progress has been made toward this output. In 2024, UN Women Nepal accelerated the implementation of its programme which had been impacted negatively from the system transition to Quantum in the previous year. This was realised through sustained and effective use of corporate tools in finance, procurement, information communication technology (ICT), and security management systems and capacity development of staff and partners. Operational efficiency was enhanced as evidenced by the smooth functioning of the Procure to Pay cycle. The average number of working days for onboarding the procurement partners were reduced to 25 days, last year we were not able to track due to system challenges. The overall implementation rate was increased by 4 % compared to 2023, which was a result of having a full-fledged team on board from 25 in year 2023 to 36 in year 2024, the team effort to onboard responsible partners in shorter timeframes and closely monitoring the implementation through systematic use of a newly launched detailed activity-based utilization plan and discussing delivery regularly at the Core Team meetings. These were facilitated through comprehensive training and capacity building sessions conducted for UN Women Personnel on overall financial management, including several sessions on Quantum including Project and Portfolio Management, Budget management, Procurement, Travel, Supplier Maintenance, Human Resource Management, and Fraud Awareness. Additionally, UN Women Nepal was able to recover USD 35,555.00 VAT in December 2024 which is 63% of the VAT claimed till 2024, as a result of active engagement in UNCT Operations Management Team. Capacity for accurate financial reporting was significantly improved among 14 programme partners through orientations focusing on financial reporting and the correct use of FACE forms. Through regular tracking of the newly launched Programme Partner tracking tool, the average partner liquidation and payment time was reduced from an average of 35 days to 21 days. Clarity and understanding of audit processes were significantly enhanced among partners and personnel through orientation sessions, leading to unqualified audit reports for four programme partners, with one qualified. Furthermore, 28 representatives (19 women and 9 men) from 14 implementing partners reported enhanced their capacity on financial reporting, fraud awareness, and audit findings. Continuous coordination with the Regional Office and the Headquarters ensured 100% compliance with ICT standards including upgraded Polycom Video Conferencing System for improved online and hybrid communication and collaboration as reported in the InfoSec Compliance Report as of 31 Dec 2024. Full 100% compliance Business Continuity and Crisis Management was achieved as indicated by the Business Continuity and Crisis Management Application Dashboard, with timely updates and compliance of the Security Compliance Survey for all offices.

Assuring an accountable organization through principled performance

This output is on track with some progress. In 2023, UN Women Nepal Country Office (NCO) continued to remain as a trustworthy development organization managing financial and other resources with integrity, enhancing its internal governance, compliance, and business continuity. These improvements were critical in identifying strategies to accelerate implementation, particularly in the transition to the Quantum system. Key accomplishments include: Enhanced operational efficiency was evidenced by a marked reduction in transaction holds due to Quantum issues. As a result, a total of 169 supplier profiles, 90 procurement Purchase Orders, 745 vouchers, and 107 travel transactions were processed. This was achieved through comprehensive training and capacity building on overall financial management, including several sessions on Quantum, various webinars, and an Operations Clinic on Quantum Finance, Procurement, Travel, Supplier Maintenance, HR, and Fraud Awareness. Errors in FACE forms submitted by partners have been reduced significantly. To this end, the capacity for accurate reporting was significantly improved among 14 program partners through orientations focusing on Financial Reporting, using the FACE forms correctly. The financial findings of two audits of the implementing partners conducted in 2023, were fully (100%) recovered. UN Women NCO provided crucial support in enhancing understanding of the audit process and required actions among the implementing partners and UN Women personnel. These included orientations in local languages, individual sessions on audit findings and action plans. UN Women NCO achieved a delivery rate of 66 percent and a utilization rate of 88.57 percent. This was facilitated through regular review and discussion on the delivery status, key issues and solutions. Increased coherence and operational cost efficiency were furthered through active participation in the Operations Management Team (OMT). Periodic reviews of the Business Operations Strategy, UN Daily Subsistence Allowance rates and VAT issue resolutions. Continuous coordination with the Regional Office and the Headquarters ensured 100% compliance with the Information Communication Technology standards as reported in the InfoSec Compliance Report. The upgrade of the Firewall and procurement of a Video Conference System significantly improved communication and collaboration capabilities.